Tetra Pak and Italian dairy producer Sterilgarda Alimenti have introduced a 1-litre carton that uses a paper-based barrier.
The new barrier has been added to the Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Edge format.
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When used together with plant-based polymers, the package has a renewable content of 90%, noted the company.
Made for “ambient” distribution, the carton is intended to provide shelf life and performance in line with conventional aseptic packs that contain an aluminium foil barrier.
Tetra Pak said the design can cut carbon emissions by as much as 50%, based on verification by the Carbon Trust.
Sterilgarda Alimenti Plant Director Giampaolo Rossi said: “We at Sterilgarda Alimenti stand for tradition and innovation. Through our continuous improvements in technology and product quality, we aim to provide the best possible answers to evolving consumer needs.
“Tetra Pak’s new paper-based barrier is a groundbreaking innovation in beverage packaging and represents a significant contribution to our journey towards greater sustainability.”
Tetra Pak said the paper-based barrier changes the pack’s structure from three main materials to two: paper and polymers. The higher paper share may help recycling systems by improving material recovery and quality, while keeping the pack strong enough to protect aseptic products during their lifecycle.
Tetra Pak packaging solutions executive vice president Tatiana Liceti commented: “As environmental sustainability continues to shape the food and beverage industry, this innovation is an important step forward. It introduces a new barrier material that helps producers move closer to their environmental goals.
“For me, this is about harnessing the power of paper to make beverage cartons more renewable. This is the result of working hand-in-hand with our customers, supporting them as they offer responsible choices that consumers increasingly expect.’’
The development comes after Tetra Pak committed €60m ($71.2m) to a pilot plant for paper-based barrier technology at its site in Lund, Sweden.
The company first introduced an aseptic beverage carton with a paper-based barrier in 2023 in a portion-pack format on flexible lines. It later adapted the technology for high-speed lines.
The company said it plans to spend about €100m a year until 2030 on sustainable packaging development, including packs with simpler material structures and more renewable content.
